Today marks one year that Reagan Wednesday passed away and not a day goes by where I don’t think about her, its amazing how 10 minutes with someone can change your life.
(A little back story) I met Reagan and family (mom Jessica and sister Adrianna) in the late summer of 2015 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee as part of the media day tours/interviews. The Kuehn’s were one of the families we were set to interview because they are from Streator, Illinois. I remember these two wild and crazy little girls all dressed up in their Disney princess dresses running around playing like they just dove into a pile of candy. They always just stuck with me. Reagan didn’t look sick, didn’t act sick and I just always hoped for good news. Sadly, one year ago today I heard the most devastating news ever and that she had passed away. I’ve never experienced the loss of a child so young and it was devastating to me and to this day it just doesn’t seem fair. I hate cancer. One year ago today I vowed to dedicate every mile and dollar in her memory in hope hopes that everyone knows who Reagan is and in hopes that one day we will never have to tell a story like hers again. In the past year I’ve come close to her family, mom, sis, grandma and grandpa. I’ve ran her memorial 5k and I love with Adrianna stops by the radio station to say hi and play in the studio. They have become a part of me and I cherish every moment.
A few weeks ago a friend suggested that I run the “Rock N Roll Nashville Half Marathon” with her because it helps to benefit St. Jude and everyone knows I’ll do pretty much anything I can for St. Jude. I’ve always wanted to either run that race or the Memphis one as a ‘St. Jude Hero’, selfishly I want the hero racing tank they give you, its like a badge of honor I can wear on my back. Although I know I am already a St. Jude hero is so many’s eyes already I want that tank for some reason. The problem being is that I have to fundraising again and I feel bad asking for more money and more donations, AFTER so many have already given to the tune of $12,000 last year and nearly $40,000 in the years I’ve been doing the St.Jude Chicago To Peoria run. How do I ask again for more money so I can earn this “hero” singlet?
Of course word got to Reagan’s family and friends and one of them, Jesse, said “Run! And think of Reagan every-time you wear it.” I think of Reagan all the time, no matter what I wear, how can I say no now..so I didn’t. I feel so honored to not only run once but TWICE in 2017 for Reagan and her family. I feel so blessed I am able to keep her memory alive for her loved ones.
Every day, not just in Nashville, not from Chicago To Peoria, every day. I Run For Reagan and one day, we’ll never tell a story like hers again….one day.
~Anna Kinkade
